State-of-the-Art Facility Trains Dogs to Detect Explosives,
Drugs, and Currency

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Remarks of Director Bradley A. Buckles at the Canine Facility ribbon-cutting ceremony

Front Royal, VA --- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Director Bradley A. Buckles and U.S. Customs Acting Commissioner Charles W. Winwood today announced the completion of their respective agencies' canine enforcement training facility in a joint dedication ceremony held at the Customs Canine Enforcement Training Center. The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in federal law enforcement. Dogs trained by ATF and Customs are used by law enforcement in the United States and worldwide to assist in arson investigations and prevent explosive incidents, search for narcotics and dangerous drugs, and detect currency.

"ATF's decision to locate their dog training efforts at the Customs Canine Enforcement Training Center is a perfect example of interagency cooperation," said Acting Commissioner Winwood. "The completion of the new facility will allow both Customs and ATF to more efficiently accomplish their missions."

Director Buckles said, "We've come a long way since training our first arson dog in 1986. This beautiful new facility is a testament to the progress and innovations we have made with our Canine Accelerant and Explosives Detection Program. ATF owes a debt of gratitude for Customs' support of our program."

The U.S. Customs Canine Enforcement Training Center occupies 250 acres and accommodates 260 dogs in training. The center includes the ATF's 24,000 square-foot indoor training facility. Also located on the center grounds are the U.S. Customs Breeding Program facility and a 14,000 square foot academic building equipped with the latest in audio/visual equipment and interpreters' booths for international training initiatives. U.S. Customs and ATF maintain their own veterinary clinics and share outdoor exercise and training areas such as a 150-car parking lot where dogs learn search techniques.

The combined U.S. Customs and ATF facilities are among the leading detector dog training centers worldwide. Within the last ten years, U.S. Customs has trained officers from over 51 foreign countries, while ATF has trained officers from 12 foreign countries.

"Not only are U.S. Customs detector dogs instrumental in taking millions of dollars of illegal drugs off the streets of America but, through the Customs Project Outreach Program, they are also our best ambassadors in teaching children nationwide the evils of drugs," said Winwood.

Each year, U.S. Customs and ATF will certify about 150 canines and handlers for a variety of federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies. Dogs trained at the ATF center have assisted security efforts at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, events related to the 50th anniversary of NATO, the Columbine High School shooting, the National Governors' Conferences, the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics, the Superbowl, and other high-profile events.